Sniffing Lavender Calms Horses, Scientists Say
Researchers at the University of Arizona Veterinary Center have found that sniffing lavender calms stressed horses.
Heart rate, heart rate variability, and cortisol (stress hormone) levels are all indicators of stress levels in both horses and humans. In one study, the researchers startled horses with an air horn, and then misted them with humidified lavender air. The horses' heart rates increased in response to the air horn, indicating that they found the experience unpleasant and stressful. But the heart rates of horses that inhaled lavender returned to normal more quickly than the heart rates of those who did not inhale lavender. In other studies, horses were hauled in a trailer (which most horses find stressful), and underwent a series of stress tests. In each case, the physiological stress indicators shows that horses that inhaled lavender experienced less stress and were calmer overall.
Heart rate, heart rate variability, and cortisol (stress hormone) levels are all indicators of stress levels in both horses and humans. In one study, the researchers startled horses with an air horn, and then misted them with humidified lavender air. The horses' heart rates increased in response to the air horn, indicating that they found the experience unpleasant and stressful. But the heart rates of horses that inhaled lavender returned to normal more quickly than the heart rates of those who did not inhale lavender. In other studies, horses were hauled in a trailer (which most horses find stressful), and underwent a series of stress tests. In each case, the physiological stress indicators shows that horses that inhaled lavender experienced less stress and were calmer overall.
They tried the same experiments with water vapor and chamomile, but neither of these produced a similar calming effect.
The researchers also noticed that the calming effect lasted only as long as the horse was inhaling the lavender essence. To help a horse remain calm, they suggest sprinkling a bit of lavender essence on your hand or glove and allowing your horse to sniff it when he or she seems to be feeling stressed. You can also use a portable diffuser which will provide continuous access to the calming odor. This is a real boon for horses who find shoeing or entering trailers stressful.
The research was published in the scientific journal Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 2018; 68: 46 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2018.05.213
I've included links to lavender essence and diffusers that I like below.
Happy riding!
Copyright Denise Cummins, PhD August 13, 2018
These diffusers run on batteries so they are easy to use in the barn or on the road.
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Denise Cummins has over 30 years experience as an equestrian and horse business owner. In The Thinking Equestrian, she shares valuable tips on caring for and training horses, giving riding instruction, and running a successful horse business.